Name: Collage is defined as “the creation of art which results from the assemblage and collection of different forms, creating a new whole.” JTD has selected this name to evoke the individuality and the interconnectedness of the parent experience at JTD. This name references a form of artistic expression often used in elementary school art, while also intentionally starting with the letter “C” to evoke a connection to the 5C’s, the School’s core values.

Purpose: Collage is designed for JTD parents/guardians to engage in inquiry, conversation, and action related to issues of diversity, equity, social justice, inclusion, and belonging.

Goal: Supporting our families as we strive to raise our children to be culturally competent members of our community, as well as advocates for a more equitable and just world.

Participants: All JTD parents/guardians are welcome to participate in Collage. It is intended to encompass the viewpoints of people who differ in age, culture, ethnicity, family structure, language, learning style, physical ability, race, religion, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.

Meeting Schedule: Collage meetings are held several times a year, at varying times in the week and day, to make the meetings as accessible as possible.

Format: Collage meetings vary in format and topic. Discussions may center around articles, books, videos, films, or guest speakers. Discussions are facilitated by a member of the JTD staff, an appointed parent representative, or someone else as designated by the School. Collage meetings all begin with a statement of the group’s purpose, goal, and norms. Opportunities for personal reflection and connection are incorporated into meetings to allow for individual and group growth.

Group Norms
  • Listen with the intent to understand and learn (open to hearing others’ truth)
  • Lean into discomfort
  • Suspend judgment (assume good will)
  • Speak your truth
  • Expect and accept non-closure
  • Maintain confidentiality

Diversity Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at JTD

We are committed to ensuring that our students are prepared to be culturally competent members of society.
"Collage has enhanced the parent experience at JTD by creating a safe space for open conversations about a variety of topics that affect our community. Having a space where we can come together to listen, to talk, and to understand one another helps to make our community stronger and more inclusive."
- Stacey King, D&I Subcommittee Co-Chair

The John Thomas Dye School


11414 Chalon Road
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Phone: (310) 476-2811
The John Thomas Dye School admits students of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.

Located In Los Angeles, CA, John Thomas Dye is an independent school for grades K-6. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.